Garlic-Slathered Stretch Bread

A few years ago I randomly got a cookbook in the mail. Not sure how it came about that I received it. I didn't order it and had never heard of it before, A Passion for Baking.  I don't usually use cookbooks ( Google is my cookbook! ) so I wasn't terribly excited about it until I started to look through it......BEST. COOKBOOK.EVER!!!

I have found some of the greatest baking recipes in this book. Everything from this garlic bread to amazing cookies and cakes of every kind. It also gives tips and tricks on the best way to mix, bake and store everything that's in it as well.

So, the Garlic Slathered Stretch Bread. This is pretty simple to make and is absolutely amazing.

The dough is light and fluffy.

The topping is not too strong and just melts into the bread.

Combine the two and then top it with plenty of mozzarella cheese.

And this is what you get at the end. Cut it into strips and enjoy!!! I usually make this with pasta or soup and sometimes we just eat this!

Garlic-Slathered Stretch Bread Recipe

Dough
2 cups warm water
1 3/4 tsp rapid rise yeast ( I have used regular yeast and that works just fine )
1 3/4 tsp salt
4 tsp sugar
4 cups flour

Whisk yeast and water together and let stand about 3 minutes. Add salt, sugar and most of the flour to make a soft dough. Knead for about 8 minutes, adding more flour if necessary. Let rise 1 1/2 to 3 hours. Turn dough onto floured surface and gently deflate. Let rest while you make the topping.

Garlic-Slather Topping
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp italian seasoning
1/3 cup olive oil
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Mix everything but the mozzarella cheese together. Divide dough into half and stretch each half into a baking sheet. Spread half of filling onto each one and then top each one with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese ( I usually use more than that ).  Cover loosely and let rise another 1-1 1/2 hours. ( I have skipped this second rising when I was in a hurry and it turns out fine just not quite as light ). Bake at 400 for about 20-25 minutes until topping is brown and sizzling.

Enjoy!!

Mary Elizabeth